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Upside Down Apple French Toast Bake (Make-ahead!)
5 from 18 votes

Upside Down Apple French Toast Bake (Make-ahead!)

This Upside Down Apple French Toast Bake layers thinly sliced Granny Smith apples cooked in butter and spices with brown sugar and apple cider. French bread slices are soaked in a spiced egg and milk custard, layered over the apples, then chilled overnight before baking. The result is a warmly spiced, tender casserole with a golden top and soft fruit base, ideal for make-ahead brunches or potlucks.

Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Additional Time
8 hrs
Total Time
9 hrs 25 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 296 kcal
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 TB butter salted
  • 6 large apple peeled and sliced very thin, Granny Smith variety
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 TB apple cider
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp cloves ground
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • pinch table salt
  • 1 loaf French bread sliced to 1-inch thick (8-10 slices)
  • 4 large egg
  • 1 ¼ cups milk I use whole
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract pure
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp table salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large heavy skillet, combine butter and apples over medium heat. Allow butter to melt, cooking and stirring for 5 minutes. Add brown sugar, cider, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and pinch of salt. Cook and stir 7 minutes or until apples are tender and sauce is thickened. Spread mixture into a 9x13 baking dish.
  2. Layer bread slices over the apples, covering the entire surface. Trim pieces of bread to fit, if needed.
  3. In a bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Whisk in the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Slowly and gently pour egg mixture over the bread slices, taking time to let the liquid soak through tops of bread to ensure even coating. Press down lightly on bread to ensure soaking. Cover dish with plastic wrap and chill 8 hours or overnight.
  4. Remove casserole from fridge 30 minutes before baking; meanwhile, preheat oven to 350F. Bake uncovered 35-40 minutes or just until bread tops are golden and the edges are crisp. Allow casserole to rest 10-15 minutes at room temp before cutting into it. To serve, carefully cut individual servings and invert pieces so the apples face up. Serve with maple syrup.

Notes

  • This French toast bake is enjoyable warm or at room temperature, suitable for potlucks and brunches.
  • The dish keeps well at room temperature, offering flexible serving options.

Nutrition Information

Calories 296kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 53g (18%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 2g (10%) Trans Fat 0.2g (10%) Cholesterol 75mg (25%) Sodium 297mg (12%) Potassium 261mg (6%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 32g (64%) Vitamin A 309IU (6%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 89mg (9%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 296

% Daily Value*

Calories 296kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 53g 18%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0.2g 10%
Cholesterol 75mg 25%
Sodium 297mg 12%
Potassium 261mg 6%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 32g 64%
Vitamin A 309IU 6%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 89mg 9%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.